Coming Out for Politics

Series: Story Submissions for "We've Got the Power"
From: Weekday High
Length: 00:03:33

He's too young to vote, but Bryce Jacobson still makes an impact. In this personal essay, Bryce explores how being gay in a conservative, religious community is a political act in itself. Read the full description.
Bryce's Political Influence Story
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Piece Description

Bryce Jacobson is a sixteen year old junior at the Auburn Adventist Academy. It's a small boarding school for Seventh Day Adventists just south of Seattle, Washington. Bryce is generally apathetic toward politics: he can't vote and doesn't volunteer for any candidates or causes. But ever since coming out two years ago, he's been challeging the beliefs of those around him, and pushing for positive change in his own small way.

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Review of Coming Out for Politics

This is a very honest and personal piece with a message that can apply to everyone's lives. Bryce starts us up with the experience that led him to notice that when History was being made around him he couldn't (or just wasn't) part of it by advocating for himself and what he believes in, like many teens do (by being youth activists). Bryce then realized that he was making a difference by just being himself and standing on his beliefs on a daily basis, and that he didn't need to go on the streets with a poster to make a difference. I think this is a piece that many teens (like me) can relate to because not all of us can be like the typical youth activist, but if we do something so easy like being true to ourselves everyday by defending our views we can still make a difference.

In the technical aspect I must mention that the narration and pacing really give the listener a clear picture of the events which makes it more easy to follow. I really liked the humorous and so honest tone used; I think it keeps the listener engaged. The outro gave me a feeling of hopefulness and the idea that I can too make a difference.

1 out of 1 people found this comment helpful

Review of Coming Out for Politics

The piece opens up with the political scene that many Americans witness today. It sets us up nicely for the piece. While Bryce sees other kids being youth advocates by being politically active , he wonders what he's doing. An insecurity many teens, like myself have. We find out he does become a youth advocate by coming out in a catholic high school in a conservative area, which is a very brave thing.

Out of all the political pieces, this one has to be my favorite. We see teens everywhere advocating about voting and changing the world, but Bryce Jacobson cannot vote, so he advocates being himself. We need to see more kids like him who are themselves no matter where.

The piece overall was a good listen and a breath of fresh-air from all the political pieces being mass produced at the moment. His point of view is also very humorous, which makes the listener like him more and want to listen more. The volumes are also perfect for listening, it does not get dull at all. I would suggest this to any teen who is lost and needs to find a way to find themselves.

1 out of 1 people found this comment helpful